Actively seek out and stress-test your opinions by putting them out there in an idea meritocratic way, rather than holding onto potentially wrong ideas. This approach significantly raises the probability of being right and helps avoid the tragedy of being attached to incorrect beliefs.
Instead of just making decisions, spend time defining and writing down the criteria or principles for making those decisions, similar to a decision journal. This allows you to think in a principled way, seeing current situations as recurring ‘species’ of problems, and refining your approach through discussion.
To achieve audacious goals, follow a five-step process: (1) set clear goals, (2) identify and don’t tolerate problems/mistakes, (3) diagnose problems to their root cause, (4) design what to do differently, and (5) follow through with the new design. This continuous loop of learning and evolution drives progress.
Engage in a three-step process for idea meritocracy: (1) honestly put your thoughts on the table, (2) have thoughtful disagreement to make better decisions, and (3) establish fair, agreed-upon ways to resolve remaining disagreements, often by considering the ‘believability’ of each person’s thinking. This ensures the best ideas win out, not just the boss’s or the majority’s.
Shift your mindset from assuming you are right to actively asking, ‘How do I know I’m right?’ This cultivates humility, balancing audacity with an open-minded approach to triangulate information and improve decision-making.
Recognize that life often presents first-order consequences that are appealing but lead to negative second-order consequences. To get what you truly want, focus on and consider the second and third-order effects of your actions, even seeking help from others to do so.
Practice Transcendental Meditation regularly by repeating a mantra with your breath to quiet the conscious mind and access the subconscious. This practice eliminates stress, fosters creativity, and helps reconcile instincts with logic, leading to greater equanimity and strategic thinking.
Understand that things often happen over and over again, even if they haven’t occurred in your lifetime. By studying historical events, especially those outside your personal context, you can anticipate and prepare for situations that might otherwise surprise you.
Actively capture moments of psychological pain, noting the facts and circumstances, to prompt reflection and action. This self-reflection, like using a ‘pain button,’ helps you learn from mistakes and track progress to avoid repeating the same issues.
Develop the capacity to hold your own independent opinions (assertiveness) while simultaneously being curious and open to the possibility that your opinion could be wrong (open-mindedness). This balance is crucial for effective learning and decision-making.
In any interaction, consciously assess whether you should act as a teacher, student, or peer. If speaking with someone more knowledgeable, prioritize asking questions; if with someone less experienced, be prepared to teach; and with peers, engage in mutual exchange.
Establish clear principles for your relationships, both personal and professional, such as requiring reasonableness and considerateness from all parties. These shared principles provide a framework for navigating disagreements and fostering healthy interactions.
Embrace ’tough love’ by providing critical feedback and allowing others to strive and make mistakes, understanding that not learning from mistakes is the real problem. This approach, though sometimes unappreciated, builds strength and facilitates growth.
Make meaningful work and meaningful relationships equal priorities in your life, as they reinforce each other and are a primary source of happiness. This focus helps create a supportive environment where people help each other grow.
Recognize that radical transparency, where data about you is increasingly visible, is becoming inevitable. Proactively consider how to deal with this openness, as it can foster better relationships and maximize idea meritocracy.
Understand that learning how to code is akin to learning to read and write for the next generation, as algorithmic decision-making will increasingly replace many jobs. Position yourself on the side of creating algorithms to remain relevant in the evolving economy.
When addressing societal issues or engaging in philanthropy, focus on creating mechanisms that foster equal opportunity, rather than equal outcomes. This approach empowers individuals to find usefulness and purpose.
As you age, particularly into your sixties, shift your focus from personal success to finding beauty and fulfillment in helping other people be successful. This transition allows you to pass on knowledge and enjoy the independence of the next generation.
When offering critical feedback or making a complaint, preface your comments by stating your intention to be helpful. This framing helps ensure your message is received constructively, even if it’s direct.
Maintain a mindset that values what you don’t know even more than what you do know. This radical open-mindedness fuels curiosity and continuous learning, driving personal evolution.
Approach life as an adventure, embracing the journey of learning and evolving. Don’t be afraid of falling, banging yourself up, or scraping your knee, as these experiences are temporary and contribute to growth.